Upgraded Baked Ziti with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Ziti Cooked in Rich, Velvety Tomato Sauce
Want to level up your pasta game? Look no further! This Baked Ziti recipe boasts a luscious, tomato cream sauce that takes simple marinara to the next level. Perfect for vegetarian meals or when entertaining, this dish is sure to impress. For more ziti inspiration, explore our Baked Ziti with Sausage, Eggplant, and Ricotta; Baked Ziti with Prosciutto; and Baked Radicchio and Mozzarella Pasta.
Yield: 8 to 12 servingsDifficulty: EasyCooking Time: About 1 hr (30 min active)
Ingredients (14)
- 12 oz dried ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
About the Recipe
This recipe initially appeared in the "Baked Ziti with Creamy Tomato Sauce" article from Delish, while the variations and adaptations mentioned here are based on contextual research and cooking knowledge.
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to 375°F. Oil a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water as per package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium flame. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté until soft, between 5 to 8 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, dried herbs, sugar, and tomatoes into the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover it, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and butter.
- Once drained, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring each piece of pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Pop the dish in the oven until the pasta is heated, and the cheese is melted, roughly 30 minutes.
Variations
If you're feeling adventurous, try these delicious twists on the classic Baked Ziti recipe:
- Meat-Filled Ziti:
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Brown the meat in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and mix it into the tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Turkey Sausage: Use as a leaner alternative.
- Vegetable-Packed Ziti:
- Roasted Vegetables: Saute your favorite veggies like zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms and layer them in between the saucy pasta for added texture and nutrients.
- Spicy Ziti:
- Add some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the tomato sauce for a kick of heat.
- Gluten-Free Ziti:
- Use gluten-free pasta to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- This Upgraded Baked Ziti recipe showcases the combination of nutrition and delicious flavors, using ziti pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese.
- For a lovely twist on the classic Baked Ziti, consider incorporating ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage for a meat-filled version, or layers of roasted vegetables for a vegetable-packed option.
- With the given recipe as a foundation, you can further customize the dish, adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick or using gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
